Where to Plant Ficus

When adding ficus to your landscape, select a location that receives full to partial sun. A sun-dappled yard or an area with other trees that provide some shade is ideal.

The soil must be well-draining. Ficus trees won't grow well in wet areas, so provide plenty of space for the plant to grow. Some ficus varieties are wider than they are tall, and their root systems may disrupt nearby concrete, plumbing lines, and swimming pools.

In cooler climates, ficus can be grown in containers that can be moved indoors during cold weather.

When growing ficus as a houseplant, position it near a window that provides bright light and avoid moving it frequently. Ficus plants do not like sudden changes in location.

How and When to Plant Ficus

Nursery-grown ficus trees are best planted outdoors in spring. Ficus trees grow quickly, so new growth can appear within a couple of weeks.

Dig a hole that is the same depth as the rootball or container and twice as wide. Use well-draining soil and add compost or other organic material to improve drainage.

Place the rootball in the hole at the same level it was in the container. Backfill with amended soil, pressing it down gently around the roots to remove air pockets.

Water the tree deeply and add 2–4 inches of mulch around the base.

When planting ficus in a container, use a lightweight potting mixture containing vermiculite or perlite. Choose a container with drainage holes and excellent drainage.

Before acquiring a new plant, make sure your environment meets its needs. Not every plant will do well in every location.

Ficus Care Tips

Ficus is a tropical plant that needs the right growing conditions to remain healthy.

Light

Ficus plants can be somewhat sensitive to changes in light. They generally require high light levels, especially to maintain attractive leaf coloring. However, some types can tolerate medium to low light.

In low-light conditions, ficus may become sparse, develop weaker branching, and grow more slowly.

If a ficus is suddenly moved to a location with different light levels, it may drop its leaves. Although this can be concerning, the plant usually recovers after adapting to the new conditions.

Soil and Water

Ficus varieties generally prefer fertile, well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist.

Although ficus can tolerate an occasional missed watering, allowing the soil to dry out regularly can stress the plant.

Temperature and Humidity

Outdoors, ficus trees can tolerate temperatures as low as 55°F for short periods, but these tropical plants prefer temperatures of 75°F or higher.

They also prefer high humidity and can benefit from occasional misting.

Indoor ficus plants prefer moderate temperatures. Around 75°F during the day and 65°F at night is suitable. Avoid temperatures below 60°F.

If indoor air is dry, mist the leaves occasionally.

Fertilizer

For outdoor ficus trees, fertilize in spring with a slow-release, all-purpose granular fertilizer such as an 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 formula. Follow the product instructions and water the fertilizer into the soil.

Indoor ficus plants can be fed with a ficus-specific liquid fertilizer or a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during spring and summer and every two months during fall and winter.

Pruning

Prune ficus during winter when the plant is not actively growing.

Trim leaves and branches to prevent the plant from touching the ceiling and to maintain the desired shape and size. Ficus grows back quickly, so prune as needed.

Potting and Repotting Ficus

When roots begin growing out of the drainage holes, the ficus needs repotting, preferably in spring.

Repot approximately every two years to maintain a manageable plant size. Use high-quality potting soil and choose a container one or two sizes larger than the previous one.

Pests and Problems

Ficus can be affected by mites, scale insects, mealybugs, whiteflies, and aphids.

Neem oil can be used to control these pests.

If the plant develops leaf spot disease, remove infected leaves from the plant as well as fallen infected leaves to help prevent the disease from spreading.

How to Propagate Ficus

Air Layering

Outdoor ficus trees can be propagated through air layering. This method encourages roots to develop on a branch while it is still attached to the parent plant.

Choose a point on a stem approximately 18 inches from the shoot tip and remove the leaves.

Using a sharp knife, make a shallow cut around the branch. Make another similar cut about an inch below the first cut. Then make a vertical cut between the two cuts and remove the ring of bark between them.

Scrape the exposed surface and apply rooting hormone powder.

Wrap a couple of handfuls of moist sphagnum moss around the exposed area. Cover the moss and branch with clear plastic wrap and secure the top and bottom with twist ties.

Roots should become visible in the moss within one or two months. Once the root system is well developed, cut the branch just below the lower twist tie.

Remove the plastic wrap, twist ties, and moss, then plant the new ficus in a pot filled with a well-draining soil and compost mixture.

Stem Cutting

Houseplant ficus varieties without woody branches may be suitable for propagation by stem cuttings.

1. Cut a 6-inch section from the end of a healthy stem, just below a leaf node.
2. Remove the leaves from the lower third of the stem.
3. Dip the cut end in rooting powder.
4. Plant it in a 4-inch pot filled with moist potting soil.
5. Cover the cutting and pot with a clear plastic bag.
6. Place it in a warm location away from direct sunlight.
7. Check the soil every few days and keep it moist.
8. After several weeks, gently tug on a leaf. If it resists, the cutting has rooted and the plastic covering can be removed.

Types of Ficus

Creeping Fig

Ficus pumila is a vining plant with small leaves and aerial roots that cling to walls or moss poles. It can also be used to cover topiary forms.

It requires higher humidity and more frequent watering than many other ficus varieties.

Fiddle-Leaf Fig

Ficus lyrata can develop into a large tree with violin-shaped leaves that can grow more than 1 foot long. The stiff, waxy leaves are medium green on top and gray-green underneath.

Mistletoe Fig

Ficus deltoidea makes an interesting indoor shrub. It develops spreading branches covered with wedge-shaped leaves and many small, inedible green figs that turn red in bright sunlight.

It is sometimes listed as Ficus diversifolia.

Narrow-Leaf Fig

Ficus maclellandii 'Alii' is a tree-type ficus with long, narrow, pointed leaves that give it a bamboo-like appearance.

It is sometimes called Alii fig or banana fig and may also be classified as Ficus binnendijkii.

Rubber Plant

Ficus elastica, also known as rubber plant, has stiff, elliptical leaves that are often tinged burgundy.

It can be grown as a multi-stemmed shrub or branched tree.

'Starlight' Weeping Fig

Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' has the same arching growth habit as the regular weeping fig, but its leaves have a decorative white band around the edges.

Its variegation is strongest in bright light.

'Too Little' Weeping Fig

Ficus benjamina 'Too Little' is a semi-dwarf variety and grows more slowly than regular weeping fig.

Its individual leaves are smaller and rolled or curled, while the shorter distance between branches gives it a compact appearance.

Variegated Creeping Fig

Ficus pumila 'Variegata' is a small-leaf creeping plant with a narrow white band along the leaf edges.

Like regular creeping fig, it prefers high humidity and moist roots.

Variegated Indian Laurel Fig

Ficus microcarpa resembles weeping fig but has slightly larger, more leathery leaves. It is also less likely to drop leaves when exposed to changes in light or temperature.

It is sometimes classified as Ficus retusa nitida.

Variegated Rubber Plant

Ficus elastica 'Variegata' has tricolored leaves in creamy white, gray-green, and green with burgundy tones.

Its coloration becomes most intense in bright light.

Weeping Fig

Ficus benjamina is one of the most widely grown ficus varieties.

Several plants are often grown together in one pot and braided to create a decorative trunk. Once you find a suitable location, avoid moving the plant frequently because it can readily drop leaves in response to environmental changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do ficus plants live?

With optimal care, ficus houseplants can live for up to 20 years. Ficus tree varieties grown outdoors in containers and moved indoors during winter can live for up to 40 years. Outdoor ficus trees grown in suitable natural habitats can live for more than 100 years.

How big do ficus trees get?

The size depends on the variety and growing conditions. Growing ficus in containers or as a houseplant generally keeps the plant smaller.

For example, Ficus benjamina can grow to about 6 feet indoors but may reach approximately 60 feet outdoors. Some ficus varieties are creeping or semi-dwarf, so check the plant label before selecting one.

Where is ficus native to?

Ficus is native to southwest Asia and the Mediterranean. Its fig-like fruits and other plant foods are important sources of nourishment for animals in its natural habitat. িয়ে